Diesel prices have spiked so high in parts of the United States that some gas stations can no longer display the correct cost, sparking a fresh wave of fury at President Donald Trump for having launched his deeply unpopular war against Iran.
As reported by the Independent on Saturday, some gas station displays in California have shown diesel prices sitting at $9.99, the "maximum price that gas stations can show on their digital displays, which typically only display four digits.” The average cost for a gallon of diesel in the United States reached its all-time high on Friday at $6.06, up from $5.85 last week and up from $3.71 the same time last year.
“Yes, you did read that right. Diesel prices just hit $10 in California. Good job, Trumpy!” wrote David Stockman, former GOP lawmaker and senior Reagan cabinet official, in a social media post on X.
Global energy prices have increased in recent weeks as the U.S. war against Iran has escalated. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its lowest levels since May earlier this week, and another global shipping chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, may also soon become compromised following military advancements from Yemen’s Houthis.
“Incredible stuff,” noted independent journalist Brad Pearce in a social media post on X. “True Golden Age. Glad Trump solved the Strait of Hormuz situation.”
Majority Democrats, a pro-Democratic Party organization, noted a potential silver lining for Trump regarding gas stations maxing out their price displays.
“[Five] gas stations in California are selling diesel at $9.99/gallon,” reads a statement from the organization published on X. “Fortunately for Trump the price won’t go any higher — because the pumps have hit their limit and literally can't go any higher.”
Yes, you did read that right. Diesel prices just hit $10 in California. Good job, Trumpy! pic.twitter.com/EovkVvbDph
— David Stockman (@DA_Stockman) September 11, 2026